Entering His Gates with Gladness
CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive)
Jesus Christ is risen today!
He is risen indeed!
The stone is rolled away.
The tomb is empty.
Christ is alive!
All heaven and earth rejoice in his resurrection.
Sin is destroyed and death is defeated.
We have new life in Christ.
Our salvation and our hope are secure.
Hallelujah! Jesus Christ is risen today!
*HYMN OF PRAISE #234 Christ the Lord Is Risen Today

Knowing That the Lord is God
CALL TO CONFESSION
Because we know that Christ’s body was not stolen, because we know that Christ is risen, because we have declared him King of our lives, let us draw close to him with the confession of our sin.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Responsive)
Resurrected Christ, you come to us when we least expect, offering us lives of a different kind of abundance.
MEN: Yet we often fail to sense your presence with us and misuse your
generous gifts.
WOMEN: Joyful Spirit, you long to turn our mourning into dancing, to
change our funeral clothes into garments of exuberance.
Sad or afraid, we often struggle to lift our feet to your music or wear an emotion that matches your joy.
ALL: Forgive us, Creator of all, for failing to live in tune with your
love. Even when we have lost faith in you, do not lose faith in us. Make
us once again into your faithful people, inspired and inspiring others.
Where we have been hardhearted and unforgiving, bring new life.
Where we have sown discord and wounded others, bring new life.
Where we have been selfish and greedy, bring new life.
Where we have been tired and confused, bring new life. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON (Responsive)
Christ forgives the most impossible sins, overcomes the greatest fears, comforts the loudest cries, and breaks down the strongest barriers to his love and peace. Through his resurrection, Christ’s power in the Holy Spirit lives and works here and now. Brothers and sisters, know that we are forgiven and be at peace.
Thanks be to God! We are forgiven because of Jesus Christ, and we
look forward to his second coming! Hallelujah! Amen.

Praising His Name
PRAISE SONGS
AFFIRMATION OF EASTER
MEN: Easter is shouting, "Christ is risen!"
WOMEN: Easter is waiting for the coming of the Spirit on Pentecost.
MEN: Easter is joy at the incredible Good News
that love is stronger than death.
WOMEN: Easter is fragrant lilies, sunrise services,
butterfly banners, and shouts of joy.
MEN: Easter is confident hope that in the midst of trouble,
God is still at work.
WOMEN: Easter is 50 days of keeping joy afloat
when busyness and worry threaten to sink our zest for life.
ALL: Easter is God's action every Sunday reminding us
to live joyfully, walk expectantly, love faithfully, and sing triumphantly.
SOLO Vicki Smith, soprano
“If God be for us, who can be against us?” from Messiah Handel
If God be for us, who can be against us?
Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect?
It is God that justifieth, who is he that condemneth?
It is Christ that died, yea,
rather that is risen again,
who is at the right hand of God,
who makes intercession for us.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE TEXT John 20:1-18 (p. 768)
MESSAGE “The Darkness of Death becomes the Light of Life”
PRAYER OF BLESSING

*DOXOLOGY and OFFERTORY PRAYER (Unison)
Gracious God, as we celebrate the power of the resurrection this day, we ask that you would receive these offerings and gifts that we give joyfully and generously. By the power of your Spirit, multiply them and use them to bring peace, justice, hope, and the good news of Jesus Christ to all the world. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN #254 Alleluia, Alleluia! Hearts to Heaven
*BENEDICTION and RESPONSE - My Friends, May You Grow in Grace
My friends, may you grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior.
My friends, may you grow in grace, and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
To God be the glory, now and forever, now and forever, amen.
To God be the glory, now and forever, now and forever, amen.

POSTLUDE Toccata in G major (1889) Théodore Dubois

Next Sunday is Communion Sunday, which has been designated for the presentation of gifts, over and above regular giving, to the Benevolent Fund. Please support this important ministry which provides assistance to needy church family & community members.

Ballots for nominating an elder to fill out Ann Van Buren’s Consistory term have been mailed to active confessing KRC members. If you have received and completed your ballot, please fold and drop it in today’s offering plate, or bring it to the church office. All ballots are due next Sunday, May 1.

Northern Columbia County CROP Hunger Walk 2011
Date : NEXT SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2011
Starting Location : Kinderhook Elks Club, Route 9H, Kinderhook
Registration : 1:30 P.M. – Walk : 2:00 P.M.
CONTACTS FOR INFORMATION : ERIKA JOHNSON OR PATRICE LYONS
CROP Hunger Walks help children and families worldwide -- and right here in the U.S. -- to have food for today while building for a better tomorrow. Each year, some two million CROP Hunger Walkers, volunteers, and sponsors put their hearts and “soles” in motion, raising some $16 million to help end hunger and poverty around the world and in our own communities. Our local efforts are making a huge difference, and you can be a part of it! Last year’s CROP walk against worldwide hunger and in support of local food pantries was a HUGE SUCCESS! 160 walkers participated, and over $12,500 was raised. $3000 went directly to our local food pantries.

Donations are still being accepted for the nearly 100 Easter food baskets distributed by St. John’s Church to needy community families. DONATIONS MAY BE PLACED DIRECTLY IN THE OFFERING PLATE CLEARLY MARKED FOR THIS PURPOSE.

Patti Varga is in need of church family to assist her in moving into her new rental home by May 1st. If you are able to help load or transport items in your car or pick-up truck, please let Patti know.

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
Oh, bystander, how can you claim discipleship?
Do you ever think of yourself as being on a Lenten journey with Christ? Let’s spend a moment and think back . . .
As Jesus travels the dusty roads from Samaria to Galilee, preaching, healing, and blessing people with the rich grace of the Kingdom of God, he begins to draw a crowd. His growing popularity draws the attention of the religious leaders who challenge his ministry, and yet his fame increases.
But the crowd is a fickle bunch. While curious and even a little entertained, they follow at a safe distance, have no responsibility, answer no direct question, always observing, but never fully participating. They sacrifice very little to follow Jesus. Most return home with full hearts, full minds, and full bellies, which is more than they came with. They will have a tale to tell in the morning and stories to share with their grandchildren. Mostly, they will return to life as usual, having been entertained by Jesus for an afternoon, but not having their lives transformed by him.
The disciple, on the other hand, is involved in a risky process of hands on, whole-life transformation. Following Jesus this closely is a costly endeavor. It requires an obedience and commitment to Jesus that will radically change one's life.
It's likely that we could follow Jesus around this Lenten season at a safe distance, comfortably entertained by his activity in our world. We could find ourselves among the crowd who sacrificed very little and kept their distance. Or, we could get up close and personal, and like the disciples, abandon everything in full commitment to learn who he is, what he's about, and to become all that he has called us to be. If we are not careful this Lenten season, we could find ourselves among the vast crowd, entertained in a game of follow the leader, while the Spirit is calling us to be disciples who journey with the Savior.
Where are you right now in your journey?
Please pray with me that Jesus’ journey, his death, and his ascension will be new again to all who come in contact with the message of the triumph of a living God.

Peace of the risen Christ to all, Pastor Rudy

~WE NEED YOUR RECIPES!~

Dear Church Family,
As you may know we are going to publish a KRC Cookbook to celebrate our church's 300th birthday. To do so, we need you to share with us your most delicious and favorite recipes, those that friends and family have been begging for. Could we charm you enough to give at least 2 of those cherished recipes, more if you just can't decide which ones might be best? (Should we have too many "apple pies" we can always select, after much tasting of course.)
We need to receive all recipes before May 8th. You can email them to isafleurisa@aol.com, the easier for us, or send them to: KRC Cookbook, c/o Isabelle, PO Box 22, Stuyvesant, NY 12173.
Should you be in need of writing a recipe from scratch, guidelines are available on the back table to help you write it like a professional.
We hope you will all share with us your treasures. We are counting on you - go and get those measuring spoons! For those of you who may still have questions, you are welcome to call Isabelle at 917-815-3351.
In the name of our Lord,
Isabelle Bosquet-Morra, Bonnie Dunham, and Suzy Nieman

Remember to Pray for
• Those whose families and friends are praying for their salvation or other spiritual needs
• KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries
• New KRC programs & projects and those implementing and administering them: Natural Church Development; church restoration; KRC’s 300th birthday celebration
• Leaders and those attending KRC’s Sunday School, Youth Group, Adult Bible Study, and Prayer Group
• Our state and national leaders, that God will grant them the leadership skills, wisdom, and the personal protection needed to govern effectively and safely
• A speedy end to the violence and unrest in the Middle East
• Our missionaries; children sponsored through Compassion or other agencies
• Those, especially children, suffering natural disaster, abuses of war and violence, exploitation, neglect, family hostility
• Families and friends grieving loss of loved ones, especially Carolyn and family grieving the death of Carolyn’s mother, Rosalyn; Gordie and Mark Van Buren; Kate Hanson
• Meg Herrmann, recovering from a broken foot suffered in a recent fall
• Noreen Dick's cousin, Judy, now diagnosed with epilepsy; pray that doctors will quickly get Judy's medicine adjusted for her particular needs, and for a speedy recovery from the head wound suffered when she collapsed on the sidewalk
• A speedy and complete recovery for Faity Tuttle following successful surgery Thursday; Faity, who is nearly 100, is doing well and is expected to be home soon
• God's reassuring presence and hand of safety upon Jane Deane's niece, Courtney Hemmert. Courtney is in the Air Force, and is now stationed in Kabul, Afghanistan.
• Romona Den Besten, recovering from surgery this past Friday
• Others awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Linda Martinez; Elizabeth; Florence Rivera; Susan Lamont’s family; Bea Post; Ron Stockhoff; Caitlyn; Tanya; Jonah Meldrim; Donna Scalera; Aaron; Doris Schmieder; John; Dawn VanBuren; Christophe; Bob Ringen; John Steneck; Ken Smith; Gordie Van Buren; Merrill & Erika Johnson; Priscilla Frisbee; George Clowe; Kathy Schneider’s father in Barnwell; Paul Varga
• Those dealing with cancer: Rick; Matt; Tom Saulpaugh; Walt; Joe; Jennifer Kline; Julie’s aunt; Dave’s wife; Connie; Carin; Kara Ennis Mobley
• Those facing challenges, conflicts, difficult decisions: Libby Little; churches consolidating or considering closing their doors; caregivers of children with health/developmental issues, especially Ashley & Mike, expecting twins in June who may be born with possible medical problems; those facing employment/economic troubles; those suffering discouragement, depression, despair, or other mental health issues; those struggling with substance abuse, especially Greg L, Rachael, and Martin; those dealing with family relationships; young people challenged by the demands of schooling, looking for jobs, dealing with the many temptations confronting young adults
• Those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill, especially Diane Morgan and John and Sara Schubert
• Our residence-bound members: Murray Leonardson, Mike Rivera
• God’s blessing on those recently engaged/married, expecting babies, new/first-time parents: Derick Latorre and Heather Donahue, recently engaged; Gary and Sarah (Hubel) March, and Andrew & Melissa (Call) Welcome, recently married; first-time parents, Nicole (Baby Arianna), and Ryan & Jennifer (Deane) Anderson (Baby Grace); new parents, Leré & Anina Visagie (Baby Luke); Luke & Ryan (Hacker) Morris (Baby Jocelyn); Kate (Little) & Chris Stevens (Baby Vivian Elise)
• Those who are traveling
• Our military men and women, especially Will Ryan; Matt Plescia; Carrington Hessell; and Spencer Moore - that they may know God’s presence and protection
• Families and friends of our military troops, and victims of warfare & violence worldwide - that they may be blessed with God’s peace and reassurance;
• The power of the peace & love of Christ to subdue everywhere the spirits of hatred, hostility, unforgiveness, cruelty, vengeance, and warfare

Regular reports are needed on the progress or condition of all individuals on our prayer and praise lists. If you have updated information, especially regarding individuals whose names appear in bold print, please call the church office.

Remember To Thank & Praise God for
• All who serve KRC Ministries by meeting regularly, setting goals, preparing recommendations, & working together to complete projects and responsibilities
• His blessing of a wonderful, caring, Spirit-filled pastor of vision such as Pastor Rudy
• A huge praise to God from Patti and Paul Varga that they have found a home to live in as of Thursday afternoon; they would like to thank all of you for your prayers and concern in this matter - the Lord has truly blessed them with the perfect place to call home, located just a few miles from their current house, on route 66 in Valatie, on the second floor of a converted barn set way back from the road
• Florence Rivera’s sufficient recovery to join us in Worship
• Grace Corey Anderson, Jane Deane’s first grandchild, born Friday, April 8, to Jennifer (Deane) & Ryan Anderson; 5-pound Baby Grace and her mom are doing well
• Luke Visagie, born Friday, April 8, to Anina & Leré Visage; 10½-pound Baby Luke and his mom are doing fine
• His protection of Joan Clause from serious injury in a recent auto accident that had the potential of being much worse than it was
• Safe travels for John Lyons
• The wonderful ways God shows his love to us, especially during difficult times
• Those men and women who have served or are now serving our country, & those who have sacrificed their well-being and lives for the peace & liberties we enjoy

Marguerite Heald, who attended church here regularly until her move to Hawthorne Ridge in East Greenbush, is doing well in her new surroundings. Marge is able to drive to East Greenbush Reformed on occasion, but says that she misses fellowship with the KRC family. Phone calls would be appreciated (279-5437), and Marge would enjoy going to lunch if you plan to be in her neighborhood sometime. We will be forwarding Sunday bulletins to her from time to time to keep her updated on the KRC family, and notes and cards of friendship can be sent to Marguerite Heald, Hawthorne Ridge Room 213, 30 Community Way, East Greenbush, NY 12061.

KRC OFFICE, EMAIL,WEBSITE, AND FAX INFORMATION
Email Address – krc@fairpoint.net
Website Address – kinderhookreformedchurch.com
Rev. Rudy is scheduled to be in his church office
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings.
If you wish to meet with Pastor during these times,
please call ahead for an appointment.
Evenings have been set aside for meetings, pastoral visitations,
and counseling.
For assistance on Fridays, please call or 859-4158
Church Phone 758-6401 Church Fax 758-6402
Phone messages are picked up several times daily.
If you need immediate assistance anytime, please call 859-4158.